Roop10

Do you happen to have the part # for the updated valve cover that you purchased? I've got the gasket set to replace the valve covers and spark plug tube seals but I'd like to go ahead and get the newer design so I don't have to worry about the rear valve cover leak issue when I redo everything.

JAB

I'll try to find it. Follow up in a day or so if I don't provide it.

Lexmus

The RX330 rear valve cover is 11201-0A060. At LPPParts.com this part comes up for RX300 as well as the RX330.

shervink24

This was recommended to me by a mechanic to have my valve covers changed. He said all the oil caked on the motor was from leaking valve cover. Im at 175K miles but I am not losing oil, and the car is driving amazing. Another mechanic friend said to ignore it and just drive the car because I am not losing oil. Are you losing a lot of motor oil which is why you want to change the valve covers?

salimshah

If the gasket is leaking .. with the milage you have it most likely it has shrunk, then simply replace the gasket. If you are burning oil via PCV then put a catch can to confirm and then take the necessary steps.

Salim

hsmac

my vcg's were leaking too due to loose bolts. i tightened ones i could get to on the rear and no problems since. i changed the front just because i wanted to check the engine and the gasket was a little brittle but in adequate condition. i wouldn't hesitate leaving the factory in there as they are really high quality material.

salimshah

I agree with you hsmac, my oservation is that after about 100k the gasket needs replacement. For sure try tightening the valve cover first and if that does not work then replace them. Felpro also makes good valve cover gaskets.

Salim

hsmac

you'd be surprised what really "needs" to be replaced but i know from experience that you prefer to replace parts like these. my tranny pan gasket has a tear in it yet still functions properly (and it looked new when i removed it i think it tore when i accidentally over torqued the bolts). the factory vcg is very durable and though the one i removed broke when I bent it, I have no doubts had I not replaced it there would be no issues. these gaskets are bolted down so tightly and there really aren't any objects that can prod them that would cause them to break. i'm not suggesting to neglect gasket replacement, but i'm not going to touch my rear vcg unless i have to and am willing to bet it will last for the full 200 or 300 miles that the car gets.

also my drain plug washer was extremely uneven yet it did the job the same even after i reused it. i did change it since i bought another washer but really didn't need to.

JabobJeff

Here's another DIY video that may be of some help...